About

I love designing meaningful digital experiences. My specialties include UI/UX design, interactive prototypes, branding, illustration, advertising, and marketing.

At UCLA, in the Office of Advanced Research Computing, I lead the product and visual design of mobile and web applications, platforms, websites, and data visualization tools that are used by UCLA's academic communities and for research projects with NIH, NSF, and VA grants.

In addition, I have presented on app design and mobile research projects at numerous conferences and workshops, doing so at events such as UC Tech Conferences, the UCLA Mobile Experience Conference, the UCLA Mobility & Modern Web Conference, LAdobe User Group meetings, and UCLA Code for the Mission bootcamps.

At UCLA Extension, I enjoy teaching Illustrator I in the Design Communication Arts program. Also, I write on design and technology, including contributing the Introduction to legendary artist John Van Hamersveld's Drawing Attention book, writing the cover story for an issue of LA POP arts magazine, and contributing a total of approximately 200 graphic design and technology related articles for multiple online publications.

A graduate of Wesleyan University, I also completed the Advanced Web and Interaction Design Certificate from UCLA Extension.

I'm passionate about helping shape the future of design and look forward to connecting with you!

Picture of Lauren Cullen at the beach.

Recommendations

"I first met Lauren in 2010, and she has written and edited pieces about my art for me ever since. This includes writing the introduction of my book Drawing Attention, articles, press releases, information on my exhibits, and more.

Lauren’s exceptional writing reveals her deep knowledge of graphic design and visual art. She draws from her creative experiences as a talented graphic designer, bringing an artist’s perspective to her outstanding work. Her conceptual intelligence enables her to organize and develop ideas with remarkable versatility, artistic vision, and impressive results."

John Van Hamersveld
Graphic Artist and Illustrator

Works include "The Endless Summer," the Jimi Hendrix Pinnacle artwork, and album covers for The Beatles and The Rolling Stones

"We’ve been so fortunate to have Lauren teach with us in the UCLA Extension Visual Arts department since 2017. Here are some of the comments Lauren’s students have written about her Illustrator I course: 'Professor Cullen is an excellent teacher and has been very responsive and professional.'  'She is a great instructor, very friendly, pleasant, and knows how to motivate.' They also describe her as 'generous,' 'inspiring,' 'truly gifted,' and 'the best.' I highly recommend her to any educational institution in search of an exceptional teacher."

Scott Hutchinson
Director, UCLA Extension Department of Visual Arts

"I am very pleased to recommend Lauren Cullen as a designer, artist and writer. As an artist, Lauren’s creativity is evident through her work, which is not only technically meticulous and well executed, but also well designed. Lauren is self-motivated, a team player, and easy to work with.

I respect Lauren and would love to work with her at any time, and will continue to do so in the future. I recommend her for any design job. Any company that hires her will be lucky to have her on their team."

Chana Messer
UCLA Extension Instructor, Artist, Designer, Software Evangelist

"Lauren is a super conscientious designer, talented, and learns quickly. She is also a kind, easy-going, and considerate person, which made her a pleasure to work with.

Lauren worked with me as a graphic designer at SB Promotions, where we produced printed advertisements for clients such as Bloomingdales, Macy's, Sports Authority, and many others. I found her calm and steady approach very helpful, especially when we had tight deadlines to make. Anyone would be pleased to have Lauren on their team."

Chris Henry
Art Director and Photographer

"Lauren worked for my business for 5+ years as a graphic designer and technical lead. In her role, she was required to do an array of tasks including website design, original graphics, book layout, as well as to handle technical challenges for the office as a whole. She was talented, resourceful, and a wonderful asset to all aspects of our work."

Ginger Lapid-Bogda
Owner, The Enneagram in Business